Martin O'Neill admits he's not sure he'd 'have energy' to take on Celtic job full-time: 'I think the owner's looking for a 71-year-old!'

Martin O'Neill said he does not know whether he would have the energy to take the Celtic job full-time again. He is scheduled to meet Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond next week, with his future expected to be discussed. O'Neill previously returned to Parkhead twice last season after managerial changes, first in October after Brendan Rodgers resigned and again in January after Wilfried Nancy was sacked. He previously led Celtic from 2000 to 2005, becoming a fan legend, and last season helped deliver a League and Cup double. He acknowledged that the owner may prefer a younger appointment and expressed uncertainty about repeating the role. He also received a special award at the Belfast Telegraph Sports Awards.

"“I'm seeing (the owner) next week, but I think he's looking for a younger man - he's looking for a 71-year-old!” he quipped. "I am getting awfully old, but I don't know what's in his mind, whether I would have the energy to do it again, I genuinely don't know.”"

"“I'm seeing (the owner) next week, but I think he's looking for a younger man - he's looking for a 71-year-old!” he quipped. "I am getting awfully old, but I don't know what's in his mind, whether I would have the energy to do it again, I genuinely don't know. "But it was nice to be asked first time, and because of it, I get your award so thank you very much.”"

"“The Derry man, at the age of 74, twice stepped into the breach at Parkhead last season, firstly in October following Brendan Rodgers' shock resignation and then in January when Wilfried Nancy was sacked following a wretched run of results.”"

"“Having previously achieved legendary status with the Celtic fans during a trophy-laden five years in charge between 2000 and 2005, O'Neill strengthened his legacy when his side dramatically pipped Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title on the final day before getting the better of his former skipper Neil Lennon's Dunfermline to win the Scottish Cup on Saturday.”"

Read at Irish Independent